Britannia Silver Bullion coin commemorates Falklands War

A new Britannia Bullion 1 Crown Coin has been produced by Pobjoy Mint to mark the 35th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982, and to honour those soldiers who lost their lives.

The reverse of the coin features Britannia, the well-known female personification of the British Isles, who is depicted holding a trident, with the ocean waves behind her. The obverse features the Pobjoy portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Britannia was the Latin name given to Great Britain in 43AD when the land was occupied by the Romans. She was then personified and turned into a goddess whose original bare breasted, spear wielding figure has appeared on coins from the 2nd Century until the modern day.

Britannia is a particularly strong British national emblem and the words from the song “Britannia Rules the Waves” are particularly resonating in relation to the Falklands Liberation.

The long running dispute between Britain and Argentina over the ownership of the Falkland Islands was brought to a head on 19 March 1982 when 50 Argentines landed on South Georgia Island and hoisted their flag. Under the order of Galtieri, President of Argentina, the invasion of the Falkland Islands was declared on 2 April which triggered the start of the War, which finally ended on 14 June 1982.